Sustainability and Climate Action

Lakewood’s Comprehensive Plan supports urban Sustainability and Climate Action by fostering a community culture that commits to creating and maintaining a healthy natural environment that underpins the existence and health of our economy, the industries upon which we rely, and quality of life for current and future generations of all living things. The Plan promotes environmental stewardship and rapid decarbonization to achieve science-based climate commitments.

The Plan’s policies, programs, and practices:

• Mitigate climate change: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet the City’s adopted science-based targets of 60.7% below 2018 levels by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. Achieve an interim GHG emissions reduction of 80.4% by 2040.
• Adapt to climate change: Increase community resilience and preparedness to reduce the impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat, flooding, and other climate-related hazards.

2040 Targets to support this Guiding Principle:

1. Achieve the interim science-based target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80.4% below 2018 levels to stay on track for net zero emissions by 2050.
2. Increase community resilience to the impacts of climate change.
3. Reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 80.4% below 2018 levels.
4. Minimize waste generation and achieve 90% waste diversion to advance a circular economy and zero waste culture.
5. Reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 80.4% below 2018 levels and expand multimodal transportation options.
6. Collaborate with local, regional, and state water service providers and stakeholders to reduce water use on a total and per capita basis.
7. Increase tree canopy coverage, improve water quality, enhance biodiversity and utilize nature and nature-based solutions to strengthen and restore natural ecosystems.
8. Expand equitable access to clean air, water, and renewable energy.
9. Increase resident participation in climate action, especially through the Sustainable Neighborhoods Program and youth engagement initiatives.

What does Sustainability mean? Sustainability means creating a just and rightful balance between the environment, our economy, and an equitable society. Sustainability is not an end goal, but a holistic approach to decision- making that ensures short term needs do not inequitably outweigh the long- term viability of our planet and future generations who will live on it.

What does Climate Action mean? Climate Action refers to strategies and actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) and/or that enhance resilience (adaptation) to the impacts of climate change.